For example, if it contains streaks of blood, it may appear reddish, brown or pink, depending on the amount of blood that combines with it. Still, the appearance of the mucus plug may vary depending on nature and circumstances under which it is discharged by the pregnant woman. Usually, the mucus plug becomes less thick after being discharged from the cervical canal. However, its appearance may change after it is passed out. It looks like a thick jelly-like substance with a clear, yellowish appearance while in the cervical canal. The worn out parts are passed out in traces that are usually not noticeable. The newer secretions replace the older portions of the mucus plug continually as it wears out, keeping the it fresh. This is supported by a high level of estrogen and progesterone, which is maintained throughout pregnancy. Normally, the secretion of the thick substance that forms a mucus plug is continuous. A few weeks thereafter, the cervical canal becomes completely sealed by the mucus plug. The substance trickles and lodges in the cervical canal gradually, until it fully fills the entire cervical canal. In turn, the high levels of estrogen and progesterone stimulate the secretion of the thick gelatinous substance that constitutes the mucus plug. Conception triggers a change in hormonal balance, leading to an increased production of estrogen and progesterone, which are the hormones responsible for the development of the fetus. It is formed by the accumulation of secretions from the cervical glands that are located on the cervical walls. How and When Does the Mucus Plug Form?Ī mucus plug forms progressively starting from the end of the first month of conception. Among them are lysozymes that destroy the cell walls of pathogens. These anti-microbial agents fight bacteria, fungi, viruses and other foreign substances that may try to make their way into the uterus. It consists of antimicrobial agents including immunoglobulins (antibodies) and antimicrobial peptides. However, mucus plug does not only block the entry of pathogens, it also inhibits and destroys them. Its function is to prevent the entry of microbes such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses into the uterus, where they may endanger the life of the developing fetus.īasically, the mucus plug protects the unborn baby from infections that might be caused by the entry of pathogens into the uterus (womb). It is often misspelled as ‘ mucous plug‘. For this reason, it is also called a cervical plug or cervical mucus plug. What Is a Mucus Plug? Definition & MeaningĪ mucus plug is a thick jelly-like substance that fills and seals the cervical canal of a pregnant woman. What If I Don’t Pass Out a Mucus Plug Before Birth of The Child?.How Long After Losing Mucus Plug Does Labor Start?.Is Losing the Mucus Plug a Sign of Labor?.What Happens After You Lose Your Mucus Plug?.

What Does It Mean When Your Mucus Plug Comes Out?.What Should You Do If You Lose Your Mucus Plug in Early Pregnancy or Well Before Labor.Can You Lose Your Mucus Plug in Early Pregnancy?.How Early Can You Lose Your Mucus Plug?.What Is a Mucus Plug? Definition & Meaning.

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